General Questions:
Q: What types of people and businesses does Socialwrites serve?
A: Socialwrites serves those who wish to write a book or who need items written for their website or elsewhere including web content and blog material. We also do technical writing. All website material is optimized for SEO. Socialwrites also helps people who want to write a non-fiction book but need help to do so. We also edit books for self-published authors. In addition, we help small businesses with their marketing including setting up Google Business, social media, LinkedIn Profiles, and website SEO.
Q: Where is Socialwrites located?
A: Socialwrites is located in Treasure Valley, Idaho in Nampa, and we serve the entire Treasure Valley including Nampa, Meridian, Boise, Kuna, Caldwell, Star, Eagle, and Middleton. If you live elsewhere, we also serve anywhere in the U.S. and Canada using Zoom and other platforms.
Q: How long has Socialwrites been in business?
A: Socialwrites started in February 2014, so that makes us 11 years old! Our initial offerings haven't changed since then, but we have expanded our services quite a bit. If you need something but you don't see it on our list, ask! If we feel comfortable tackling it, we will!
Q: Is there anything that Socialwrites expressly DOES NOT do at the present time?
A: Socialwrites does not do paid advertising for Google or social media. We feel there are too many ways to help people market organically.
Q: How do you charge for most projects?
A: A price quote for the entire project is provided before work starts, and the price usually doesn't change, but it can if the project proves to be more work than anticipated. Depending on the price of the project, the entire price is due before work starts or we can take a deposit of half down. On occasion, we will arrange a payment plan on a case-by-case basis.
Q: How can I pay Socialwrites for my project?
A: Socialwrites has several different ways to pay including Venmo, Zelle, and CashApp. We can also invoice you through Square. A downloadable invoice can be provided upon request regardless of how you pay.
Writing and Editing Questions:
Q: What types of material does Socialwrites write?
A: Socialwrites writes any non-fiction material you might need including bios, Google product/service descriptions, technical writing, social media posts, web content writing, blogs, and SEO-optimized web content. We sometimes use AI as a research tool or to outline a logical way to write something, but all of the actual writing is done by a human.
Q: How do you determine prices for writing projects?
A: It depends on what you want. We do have set prices for some writing such as blogs that you can find by visiting our "Prices" page. Larger, more in-depth writing projects are sometimes split into sections with payment due for one section before moving on to the next. Talk to us about your writing needs and we will quote you a custom price.
Q: Do you offer sample edits?
A: Socialwrites offers sample edits as part of the price quote process. We learned the hard way that charging by word count alone doesn't work. Frankly, some people's writing skills are much better than others. By providing a sample edit with your total word count, we can provide a price quote, and, at the same time, you can see our editing process so you can determine whether we're a good fit.
Q: How much will you charge to edit my book?
A: That depends on the size and quality of the book. One thing you should know upfront, however, is that we are not a discount editor. We edit without the use of AI and provide quality work, which takes time, and time equates to money.
Q: Can you help with formatting and self-publishing?
A: Yes, we can. We can create your cover, format and edit your book, and help you self-publish it through Amazon. Keep in mind that this can be a lengthy process and the price will reflect how much time your book is expected to take and is subject to change if necessary.
Marketing Questions:
Q: What is the best way to market my business to attain local business?
A: In most cases, you can attain the most local business through an optimized Google Business Profile. If you're not sure what one is, I created a short video to explain that. Most people, when they see it, recognize it. They just don't know what it's called. A Google Business Profile is free to set up though it may be tricky to optimize. You also don't need a brick and mortar business to set one up, though getting it verified can be a pain. If you need help with that, let's talk.
Q:What are ways that I can market my business on my own?
A: These days, there are many ways to market a business. These include social media, websites, Google Business, paper collateral such as flyers and brochures, in-person and online networking events, and sites such as Craigslist. The trick is figuring out what will work for you. Also, even though most of these ways can be done free or very inexpensively, you pay with your time. That is where I come in. If you need help figuring out where to start, I can help.
Q: What is the difference between organic and paid marketing/advertising?
A: Organic marketing is anything you do to get the word out about your business that is free. This includes Google Business or posting on social media. Paid marketing/advertising includes campaigns you pay for such as Google or Facebook ads. I believe that there are more than enough ways to organically advertise that paid advertising is often not needed, and it is what I focus on.
Q: Are websites important for marketing a business?
A: A lot of individuals and businesses look at a business website as validation that a business is legit, so it's a good idea to have something out there to show people. That type of website does not need to be costly, however. It can be something that is quickly put together and potentially free such as a Google site. As your business grows, however, a good website becomes necessary. It will help you be found, and it will work with Google Business to get your name out there. When you choose to make that leap is up to you and the growth of your business.
Q: What about LinkedIn Profiles?
A: If you haven't looked at LinkedIn, it's worth checking out. Whether it will help you gain business depends on the type of business you have. If you are a B2B business, it can be invaluable. You'll need to check it out and decide for yourself. I think it's worth having a LinkedIn Profile even if you do not actively advertise there.
Q: What is SEO and why is it important?
A: SEO stands for "Search Engine Optimization". It is anything that helps you be found online. Things that can improve your SEO include a business website, Google Business Profile, a social media profile and posts, and listings on Angie's List and other sites. There is no one way to build up your SEO though there are guidelines everyone should follow.
Q: How else can you help me market my business?
A: I can help you create flyers, business cards, and door hangers. Blue collar businesses, in particular, tend to focus more on this type of marketing, but, again, it depends on your specific business.